Child protection medical assessments are carried out for children from birth to 18 years of age where there are concerns of abuse or neglect.
A child protection medical assessment is a ‘medical assessment which is undertaken either at the request of social care or police, or when a referral has been or is about to be made by a clinician to social care in the context of concerns for the wellbeing of a child already receiving clinical care.
George Eliot Hospital has the responsibility for in hours and out of hours CPM for all Nuneaton, Bedworth, and Rural North Warwickshire Children. In hour referrals should be made by 3:00pm
Children who live in Rugby and are under 12 months old should be advised to contact UHCW 02476964000 and children over 12 months old should be advised to contact CWPT 02476961417 to have their CPM performed.
Where a CPM is required between the hours of 9am-3pm the allocated social worker/ police will phone GEH switchboard and ask to speak to the on-call paediatrician. tel:02476351351 who will arrange a date and time for the child to attend.
For urgent out of hours CPM the police or children’s social care contact GEH switchboard and ask for the on call paediatric consultant who will take the details and arrange a time for the child to attend.
This information is intended to help parents/carers and children understand what happens when a child protection medical is carried out in George Eliot Hospital.
We understand that it is a difficult time for both parents and children, so please read the leaflet carefully and if you can, it is good to talk to your child beforehand about what might happen.
We understand that this process can be worrying, but we will explain everything and listen to you and your child’s concerns.
Because this is a legal process, it is very important that you understand what we are doing and why, so please ask questions as we are here to help.
We need to complete a ‘Child Protection Medical Examination’ to check for any signs of harm that may have happened to your child.
We understand that it is upsetting to have concerns raised about a child’s safety and wellbeing. We always try to work in partnership with parents and carers to offer support. We ask that you cooperate with us and the other agencies involved in the best interests of your child.
You will be asked to confirm you have ‘parental responsibility’ and then provide consent for us to undertake any assessments that are needed. We will also make sure you understand what is happening with each process and why.
In some instances, older children (secondary school age) who fully understand what is involved may be able to give consent themselves. Ideally, consent will be confirmed by signing the consent form. However verbal consent can be given to the doctor over the phone in certain circumstances.
If you or your child do not give consent to the examination, but the doctor, social worker or police feel an examination may be in your child’s best interest, they will discuss this further with you. If they are concerned and do feel an examination is necessary and needed to ensure your child’s safety, they may seek a Court Order. If approved, a Court Order would give the doctor permission to speak to, or medically examine your child, without parental consent.
All assessments are carried out by a paediatrician (specialist children’s doctor) in a private room with a nurse chaperone. The social worker/police may or may not be there as well.
Your child can choose who they want to be in the room with them when they are checked over, like a family member or an adult they trust.
This detailed examination can take quite a long time, but it is important for the doctor to make an accurate record.
They will begin by explaining the purpose of the assessment. The doctor will ask you about all aspects of your child’s health, including immunisations. If you have their personal health record book (red book), please bring it with you.
The doctor will listen to their heart, feel their tummy, and look in their ears and mouth. The doctor will check their skin all over. They will also be weighed, and their height measured. If they have any marks on their body the doctor will make a drawing and they may also send them to have photographs taken.
If more tests are needed the doctor will explain them to you and gain consent.
At the end of the assessment the doctor who examined the child will explain his/her findings and what will happen next to the parent(s) and the child (depending on their age and understanding) as well as to the social worker and/or police officer involved.
The doctor will then need to complete a written detailed report for the professionals involved; your GP, the social worker, the police (if involved) and sometimes the school nurse or health visitor. This written report is detailed and may take some time to be completed. This child protection report and the clinical notes may be used as evidence in Court if necessary.
If you need more information about the child protection process, please contact the Social Worker appointed to the child’s care if applicable.
Please remember.
- There is no such thing as a silly question - we will always listen, so just ask.
- If you don’t understand what we are doing or why, keep asking us to explain until you do understand.
- Feeling upset is only natural, but please remember our staff are just doing their job.
Referral for CPM for children from Nuneaton and Bedworth, North Warwickshire:
People who can refer a child for cp medical are From Children’s Services / Police
(GPs should refer to Children’s Services)
Children from Rugby have different arrangements.
Under 12 months- UHCW 02476964000
Over 12 months – CWPT 02476961417
Warwickshire children’s social care: 01926414144 out of hours: 01926886922
Childline: 08001111 www.
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 www.